She also noted how the WAMF’s engineered process could be used in instances of environmental lead contamination, such as the Flint Water Crisis.

“With my system I wanted to build it for the people with the most parameters. They have no access to electricity, they have no clean water, so unless I can get this out to people to talk to people and to do other things like that I can’t actually — you know, the project is kind of worthless so it’s very important to get it out into the world and into the hands of people,” Minke said.

She’s not yet done with the WAMF. Minke said she’s already thinking of ways to innovate the system.

As for what’s next, Minke plans to attend the University of Arizona to study hydrology and engineering.